ITV has made the surprising decision to cancel its acclaimed medical drama Malpractice after just two series, despite the show pulling in millions of viewers and receiving critical praise for its authentic portrayal of NHS life.
Why Was the Show Cancelled?
The broadcaster confirmed the news, revealing that despite strong audience figures, there are no plans to commission a third season. A spokesperson for ITV stated: ‘We’re very proud of the two series of Malpractice, and grateful to everyone who supported the show. Commissioning decisions involve many factors, and while there are no plans for a third series, we’d like to extend our thanks to Grace Ofori-Attah and the team at World Productions for producing two brilliant series.’
The show, which first aired in April 2023, was created by former NHS doctor Grace Ofori-Attah, who drew directly from her own experiences. It was celebrated for moving away from the 'glamorous heroes' trope of other medical shows to present a grittier, more realistic view of the pressures facing hospital staff.
A Look Back at Two Gripping Series
The first season of this gripping medical drama centred on Dr Lucinda Edwards, portrayed by Niamh Algar. Her character faced a harrowing investigation by the Medical Investigation Unit following the tragic death of an overdose patient under her care. The storyline delved into heavy themes of corruption and drug trafficking within the hospital system, highlighting the immense strain on medical professionals.
For its second run, the series shifted focus to a new protagonist, Dr James Ford, played by Tom Hughes. As a psychiatric registrar, Ford became the subject of an investigation after a devastating incident involving a postnatal mother, continuing the show's exploration of ethical dilemmas and systemic issues.
Audience and Critical Reception
The cancellation comes as a particular shock given the show's robust performance. The launch episode of the first series achieved a consolidated audience of 6.7 million viewers over 28 days, while the second series continued to attract a solid audience of around three million per episode.
Viewers and critics alike praised the series for its authenticity. One former nurse commented online that the portrayal of the hectic accident and emergency department was ‘very much true to real life’. Other viewers without medical backgrounds described the show as a ‘thrilling story’ with an unrelenting pace that felt believable despite the dramatic events.
Both series of Malpractice remain available to stream on ITVX for those who wish to experience or re-watch the compelling drama.
